‎Gyokeres and Zubimendi Lead the Way: Arsenal Player Ratings from 3-2 Carabao Cup Win at Chelsea

‎Arsenal gained the upper hand in their Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea after a pulsating 3-2 victory in the opening leg at Stamford Bridge. While the result places the Gunners in a strong position, the match left a sense of missed opportunity after they allowed Chelsea to claw back from two-goal deficits twice.

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‎Arsenal claim a 3-2 away win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, with Gyokeres and Zubimendi starring.

‎Getty/GOAL

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‎An early goal from Ben White set the tone for Arsenal’s assertive start, and when Viktor Gyokeres converted from close range shortly after half-time, the visitors appeared to be cruising. Their control suggested a comfortable night was on the cards.

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‎That sense of calm was disrupted when Alejandro Garnacho struck from nowhere to give Chelsea hope. Arsenal responded in style as Martin Zubimendi surged forward to score a brilliant third, but Garnacho was not finished, adding a second goal that ensured the tie remains finely balanced heading into the return fixture.

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‎Despite the narrow margin, Arsenal dominated possession and territory for long periods. Their inability to completely shut the door may cause concern, yet several individual performances stood out as they head back to north London with a lead to protect.

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‎Goalkeeper & Defence

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‎Kepa Arrizabalaga (6/10): Made important interventions, including a sharp stop from Estevao before the interval. Looked vulnerable on the corner that resulted in Chelsea’s second goal.

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‎Ben White (8/10): Scored early and later delivered the ball that preceded Arsenal’s second goal. Also competed well defensively against Neto.

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‎William Saliba (7/10): Inches away from a stunning goal with a curling strike that just missed the target.

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‎Gabriel Magalhaes (8/10): Solid and commanding, repeatedly heading clear under pressure.

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‎Jurrien Timber (7/10): Deployed at left-back, he offered attacking support but left space behind that Chelsea attempted to exploit.

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‎Midfield

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‎Martin Zubimendi (8/10): Active in possession, combined neatly with Trossard, and showed excellent timing in attack, finishing superbly for Arsenal’s third.

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‎Declan Rice (8/10): Supplied a perfect delivery for White’s opener and maintained his usual high-energy presence across the pitch.

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‎Martin Odegaard (6/10): Provided some composure amid the chaos, though quicker decisions could have improved Arsenal’s flow. Tested the goalkeeper with a strong shot.

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‎Attack

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‎Bukayo Saka (7/10): Initially well contained by Cucurella, he grew into the game after half-time and played a role in both the second and third goals.

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‎Viktor Gyokeres (8/10): Created shooting chances for himself in the first half before making his mark after the break with a poacher’s finish and an assist.

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‎Leandro Trossard (6/10): Showed flashes of creativity but could not convert opportunities in the opening period.

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‎Subs & Manager

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‎Gabriel Martinelli (6/10): Had a promising chance blocked.

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‎Mikel Merino (6/10): Came close to extending the lead, denied by an excellent save from Sanchez.

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‎Kai Havertz (N/A): Introduced for the final 10 minutes.

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‎Gabriel Jesus (N/A): Late cameo with little impact.

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‎Mikel Arteta (6/10): Offensive changes added threat but also left Arsenal exposed.